Persecution in Iran

Islam is the official religion in Iran and all laws and regulations must be consistent with the official interpretation of Sharia (Islamic) law. Churches are closely monitored and at least 85 Christians were arrested in 2009 with most having been mistreated in prison, Maryam Rustampoor and Marzieh Amirzadeh were among them. We praise God that they were released from prison, but these brave women, along with hundreds of other believers, still remain at risk inside Iran.

Church services are monitored by the secret police, and believers face great discrimination and difficulty finding and keeping jobs.

Iran is number two on the Open Doors World Watch List of the top 50 countries where the persecution of Christians is most severe.

Articles

Iran background
A brief summary of the current political and religious situation and how it affects the church

Finding faith in Iran
Read about the spiritual hunger that is growing amongst Iran's people

Life for Persecuted Christians in Iran
An interview with an Open Doors worker reveals some of the pressures facing Iranian Christians

Open Doors provides assistance for Iranian Christians
Read about what Open Doors is doing to meet the needs of persecuted believers in Iran

Iranian pastor tortured, threatened for 'converting Muslims'
Rev. Wilson Issavi, 65, was arrested on 02 February after finishing a house meeting at a friend’s home in Isfahan and accused of "converting Muslims".

Pray for the church in Iran

Iranian Christians need your prayers. Click on the links listed below for information to help you to pray for your brothers and sisters in Iran

Latest News from Iran

21 Dec 2011 - Decision Stalled on Iranian Pastor Sentenced to Death
15 Nov 2011 - Iranian Pastor on Death Row Under Pressure
28 Sep 2011 - Iranian Pastor Stands Firm in Faith, Faces Execution